[Veterinarian Explains] Common Diseases in British Shorthairs: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Diabetes, Urolithiasis, and More

The British Shorthair, with its somewhat rounded body and plush, soft coat, ranked 6th in the 2023 popular cat breed rankings. While British Shorthairs are commonly seen in pet shops these days, there are several diseases they are prone to, including hereditary ones.

In this article, we will explain the diseases that British Shorthairs are prone to and how to prevent them.

Characteristics of the British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a cat breed native to Great Britain with a very long history. Cats brought to Britain by Roman invaders around the 2nd century are considered the ancestors of the British Shorthair. Originally brought in for rodent control, they settled in Britain. As Britain is an island nation, few cats entered from outside, so the breed was developed solely within the island.

Planned breeding began in the 1820s, and they gained fame after winning various awards at the world's first cat show in 1871. Although they faced the threat of extinction due to the impact of World War II, it is said that they were crossed with Persian cats by enthusiasts, which resulted in their current body shape and coat colors.

The British Shorthair is known for its gray coat, called "British Blue," but today there are more coat colors due to crossing with various other breeds. Their coat is very dense, giving it a plush, soft feel.

They also have distinct blood types (A, B, and AB). While most cats in Japan have Type A blood, 40% of British Shorthairs have Type B. Furthermore, while most cats usually reach maturity at one year of age, British Shorthairs grow slowly, taking 3 to 5 years.

The British Shorthair is described as having an independent, calm, and reserved personality. However, they show deep affection to those they trust. It could be said they have a "tsundere" (aloof yet affectionate) nature typical of a cat.

Diseases British Shorthairs are Prone to and Prevention

Although the British Shorthair is a healthy breed among purebred cats, certain genetic diseases have been confirmed. There are also diseases they are prone to in their daily lives.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

British Shorthairs are said to be genetically predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is a condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it unable to contract properly.

Because the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to the lungs and the rest of the body, symptoms such as breathing difficulties, open-mouth breathing, pleural effusion, ascites, and lethargy may appear. HCM can occur even at a young age, and sudden death can occur even without prior symptoms.

Furthermore, blood clots can easily form inside the heart in cases of HCM, and these clots may become lodged in the major arteries of the hind legs. If a clot becomes lodged, symptoms such as inability to move the hind legs, cold or purple-colored paw pads, and severe pain may appear. By the time symptoms of HCM become apparent, the disease is often quite advanced and life-threatening.

Treatment for HCM is carried out intensively in an oxygen chamber. If blood clots are present, thrombolytic therapy may be performed, but there is a risk of death if treatment is ineffective. Once the condition stabilizes, the treatment shifts to oral medication, which will be required for life.

Because genetic factors play a large role in HCM, there is no way to prevent it. Early detection through regular health check-ups and cardiac examinations is highly recommended.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the insulin secreted by the pancreas decreases, leading to an excess of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood, which is the body's energy source.

Insulin plays the role of transporting glucose from the blood into the body's cells, but when a cat has diabetes, glucose is not properly absorbed, causing the cells to fall into an energy deficit.

In addition to genetic factors, diabetes can also be induced by obesity. Initial symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite; however, if a state of high blood sugar continues, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as vomiting, weight loss, and coma.

Treatment for diabetes involves insulin injections. Since these are required daily, you will perform them at home once the insulin dosage is stabilized. In some cases, insulin therapy is combined with dietary therapy. Therefore, be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding insulin administration and diet during treatment.

Feline diabetes is thought to be associated with inflammation, and in some cases, treatment can make insulin therapy unnecessary.

It is important to prevent obesity to avoid diabetes. Owners should control the amount of food and treats they give their pets.

Urolithiasis

The British Shorthair is also a breed prone to urolithiasis. Urolithiasis occurs when stones (calculi) form in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, straining to urinate without producing urine, blood in the urine, or crying out loudly while urinating.

Depending on the type of stone, some can be dissolved through diet. If the stones are large, surgical removal may be necessary.

Since urolithiasis is prone to recurrence, once diagnosed, you should switch to a therapeutic diet for urinary health. Additionally, since low water intake can make stone formation more likely, it is necessary to improve the environment by changing the water bowl or its height, or increasing the number of bowls available. Obesity is also a risk factor for urolithiasis, so weight management is important for the naturally obesity-prone British Shorthair.

If urine stops flowing due to urolithiasis, kidney function will decline within hours. If you notice any signs, please visit a veterinary hospital immediately.

Skin Diseases

Although the British Shorthair is a shorthaired breed, its fur is extremely dense. Therefore, if you neglect brushing, shed fur can become matted, which can lead to dermatitis.

When dermatitis occurs, symptoms such as hair loss, redness of the skin, dandruff, itching, and rashes appear.

Depending on the severity of the dermatitis, oral medication may be used. Since it can be prevented by daily brushing, even if it is a shorthaired breed, you should brush them once a day.

Summary

The British Shorthair is a charming cat with a rounded body and a soft coat. They can easily become obese and are prone to skin problems. They are also susceptible to diabetes, urolithiasis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can be life-threatening if symptoms are left untreated.

It is important to have regular health check-ups and strive for early detection.